Tag: encouragement

Words have this amazing power to build up or break down, to be a source of encouragement or discouragement, to express love or hate. My church had a sermon last month titled “Loving With Words” that really confirmed my thoughts on a side project I’m now working on.

I received a crazy gift for my last birthday, it was a pack of 50 blank note cards. My first thought was what to do with them, since I don’t generally have a need for blank note cards, and I contemplated just donating them. The more I looked at the package, the more I thought about using them to send out encouragement to friends and family or other people that I know who could use a kind word.

As this “project” began to form in my mind, I decided I would share each of the cards content on a separate blog, aptly called Fifty Notes. My hope is to spread the encouragement of each card beyond the person that receives it.

I thought I’d close out with some verses from Proverbs to remind us all of the power of our words. I pray that we all choose to “speak life” into others with our words.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21 NIV)

The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:21 NIV)

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. (Proverbs 24:26 NIV)

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25 NIV)

Someone at work brought in Dove chocolates the other day. I find it interesting that they’ve chosen to incorporate messages on the insides of the wrappers. I’m sure it’s a marketing strategy to get people to buy more, but it makes me think just how easy it can be to spread an encouraging word to others around us.

I thought it would be fun to post my “Love, Dove” messages. Yes, I probably ate too many, but sometimes ya gotta just go for it!

Get a good night’s sleep.

Clear your mind, and enjoy this moment.

Feel good about today.

Sing along with the elevator music. (This would be easier to do if there was actually an elevator in my office building…LOL.)

Follow your instincts.

Encourage your sense of daring.

Be mischievous. It feels good.

I find that with this busy pace of life, I don’t think to encourage those around me. I’m usually too tired or stressed out and, instead, tear them down in my anger and frustration. I spend my waking moments hung up on all that I have to do that I get tunnel vision and don’t think about others, especially those closest to me. Sometimes, just a quick email or text to let someone know you’re thinking about them or a little note in a lunch box can go a long way to encouraging someone else. I can’t remember the last time I put a note in my husband’s lunch box, so maybe it’s time for one. 🙂

We should all try to widen our field of vision and encourage others. I’m sure the others around me feel just as busy, tired, or stressed as I am. That little bit of encouragement I can freely provide – without expecting anything in return – is something that could really change the course of another person’s day.

What is your favorite way to give encouraging words to someone you know? Who will you encourage this week?